Inventory Accounting and Control Assistant Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization emphasizes the importance of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA's mission is supported by a diverse workforce committed to ethical standards and international norms, ensuring that fundamental human rights are upheld. The Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, tasked with ensuring the effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and other program supplies. UNFPA aims to strengthen the capacity of governments and partners to enhance supply chain management and logistics, ensuring accountability and visibility across all programs. The organization is dedicated to transparency, resource management, and delivering high-impact results in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Inventory Accounting and Control Assistant Consultant will be an integral part of the Inventory Accounting and Control Team within the Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). This position is crucial for maintaining effective day-to-day operations by applying inventory control mechanisms and processing transactions according to established procedures. The consultant will report directly to the Inventory Accounting and Control Team Lead and will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including other SCMU colleagues, finance branches, regional offices, country offices, and external partners. The role involves providing routine support to ensure that inventory management processes are executed efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall mission of UNFPA in delivering essential reproductive health supplies. The consultant will also play a key role in capacity strengthening initiatives and knowledge sharing within the organization, ensuring that best practices are integrated into daily operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Inventory Accounting and Control Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the efficiency of inventory management within UNFPA. Key duties include performing cost accounting reviews and analyses, ensuring accurate and timely recording of inventory transactions in UNFPA’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and assisting with periodic account closure activities and year-end processes for Prepositioned Stock. The consultant will check compliance with inventory management policies in Country Offices, assist in financial reporting for inventory management, process transaction adjustments, and prepare inventory management performance reports. Additionally, the consultant will support the implementation of UNFPA's capacity-strengthening initiatives, contribute to knowledge sharing, maintain effective collaboration with supply chain partners, and assist in resource mobilization efforts. The role may also involve attending meetings related to supply chain management and carrying out any other duties as required by the Chief of SCMU.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with a university degree at the Bachelor level in accounting, finance, supply chain management, business administration, international commerce, or a related field being an asset. A professional Supply Chain Management certification, such as from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT-UK), would be an additional advantage. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain diverse partnerships are essential. Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required, along with professional written and spoken presentation skills. Candidates should be capable of synthesizing complex supply chain documents for both technical and non-technical audiences. Familiarity with UNFPA’s strategic plans and operational aspects of sexual and reproductive health commodities is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of secondary education as a minimum. A university degree at the Bachelor level in relevant fields such as accounting, finance, supply chain management, business administration, or international commerce is preferred. Additional certifications in supply chain management can enhance a candidate's profile and are considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, inventory management, accounting, and control, or a related area. However, this requirement is reduced to two years for candidates who hold a relevant first-level or advanced university degree. Experience in a matrix organizational structure and basic project management skills are also advantageous, as is familiarity with UNFPA’s country classification system and strategic plans.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, with proficiency in French or Spanish being a distinct advantage.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is for a duration of 11 months, with a working schedule of Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. Services can be delivered either remotely or in person at the SCMU office in Copenhagen. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from minority ethnic groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes equal opportunities for all candidates.